How does viral meningitis affect the brain?

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly.

What are the long term effects of viral meningitis?

hearing loss, which may be partial or total – people who have had meningitis will usually have a hearing test after a few weeks to check for any problems. recurrent seizures (epilepsy) problems with memory and concentration. co-ordination, movement and balance problems.

What damage can viral meningitis cause?

Initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those for bacterial meningitis. However, bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.

Can meningitis cause permanent brain damage?

Meningitis can cause an acquired brain injury (ABI). Most cases of meningitis are caused by viruses or bacteria. Meningitis affects the meninges, the protective membranes of the nervous system. When infected, these membranes swell and create a variety of temporary and permanent problems for the brain and spinal cord.

Can meningitis cause mental disorders?

Victims were found to be significantly more likely to experience mental health problems with one in five suffering anxiety or behavioural disorders. In addition, meningitis was found to impact on an individual’s memory – both long and short term – and leave survivors significantly more likely to experience epilepsy.

Is viral meningitis serious?

Viral meningitis is an infection of the membranes (linings) that cover the brain and spinal cord. A variety of viruses can cause meningitis, including those that cause gastroenteritis, measles, mumps, chicken pox and herpes. Viral meningitis is rarely serious, although symptoms may be severe.

Is viral meningitis life long?

Most people who contract viral meningitis make a full recovery and experience no long-term health effects. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing serious meningitis complications.

Can meningitis cause problems years later?

Bacterial meningitis in childhood is associated with cognitive deficiencies, sensorimotor impairments and motor dysfunction later in life.

Can meningitis change your personality?

Going through this disease is traumatic and everyone will respond differently. It is common for people to experience a range of feelings, like anger, depression, isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, aggression, mood swings and a difficulty in expressing emotions.

Can meningitis cause mental health problems?

Can meningitis affect you later in life?

Can viral meningitis change your personality?

Can viral meningitis cause behavioural problems?

Can viral meningitis come back?

However, there are several different causes of meningitis and therefore it is possible, but rare, to have the disease more than once. Although extremely rare, some viruses can cause recurring meningitis.

Can viral meningitis cause mental illness?

Can viral meningitis cause Behavioural problems?

Can viral meningitis cause learning disabilities?

A third of children who survive meningitis will be left with devastating long-term conditions, research suggests. One in three youngsters who are treated for the disease will suffer mental health problems, epilepsy or learning difficulties, the study found.

How is viral meningitis caught?

Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it’s not usually life-threatening. The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces. They easily spread through coughing and sneezing.

Is viral meningitis fatal?

Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and, although rarely life-threatening, can make people very unwell.